Ah, the season is among us. It’s the start of the school year, classes are underway, you’ve made some new friends, and you’ve reconnected with the old ones. If you joined a new organization, people are beginning to remember your name (and you’re trying to remember theirs); you’ve started to feel integrated into the culture of the campus and now feel like you can walk through any of the buildings like you own the place (go you).
The friends, the weather, the organizations. It can only mean one thing. And we all know what it is. It’s birthday season. You know what I’m saying? Basically, the start of the school year is prime birthday time. You have confidence, you have enough friends to celebrate with, and you finally have a cute house to throw a top notch bash in.
I don’t know what it is exactly about birthdays, but thinking about them, planning them, hearing about them or even just seeing pictures of them makes me giddy. And I’m not even just talking about my birthday. I mean I get excited about anyone’s birthday.
Also, I want to clarify that it’s not even about the extravagance of the party or the gifts. For me it’s the community. It’s about the gathering of sweet friends in celebration of someone’s life. And I think that’s definitely something to be celebrated.
So why do I love birthdays so much? I like the whole aura. I’m all about making the cute decorations, eating delicious cake and having a house full of fresh flowers. For me, this is what makes my birthday--the friends, the feel and the food.
And you should love this too. Birthday’s don’t have to be selfish. They are an excuse to join together with friends from all aspects of your life and celebrate.
I want my friends to feel loved on their special day. And loving well means celebrating with favorites. Make an effort to get to know what your friend enjoys. Does she like donuts for breakfast? Is she all about fresh flowers? Maybe breakfast tacos? Whatever it is, figure it out, and celebrate well.
I have been blessed with friends who love me well and know how much my birthday means to me. I am thankful for them and what they do each year to prepare for my special day. Year after year I feel more loved, more cherished and more celebrated.
Their love for me each year is what has instilled in me the desire to celebrate others well on their birthday. Don't let people tell you birthdays aren't important. They are. It is a day to honor a friend, to love them and to remind them that they are special in your eyes.
These times are fleeting. The memories made in college are priceless, the people met are irreplaceable, and the moments spent together should be cherished. Soak it all in; celebrate birthday season.
